True Freshman Standouts from Week 7 of College Football

Week seven of college football saw several true freshmen turn in breakout performances. A former blue-chip quarterback prospect tallied five touchdowns in a big road win. Two touted receivers had their best games of the season. A former five-star offensive tackle was thrust into action in a SEC tilt and a productive linebacker continued his strong freshman campaign.

Just one of this week’s True Freshman Standouts was included in On3’s Midseason True Freshman All-American Team, which was released last week. It’s possible week seven could be the jumping off point for several of the players featured in today’s edition. Let’s highlight the big performances.

QB Avery Johnson, Kansas State – True Freshman of the Week

Avery Johnson announced his presence in a big way, leading Kansas State to a 38-21 road win over Texas Tech. The Wildcats increased Johnson’s reps alongside incumbent starter Will Howard. The true freshman provided a big spark, accounting for 90 yards and five rushing touchdowns on 13 carries. Johnson also completed 8-of-9 passes for 77 yards.

The Maize (Kan.) High product showed why he was considered one of the most athletic quarterbacks in the 2023 cycle. Johnson flashed patience and high-end athleticism. He picked his way through the line before exploding to the second level. The in-state product gives the Kansas State offense a different dimension with his ability to present a threat in the designed quarterback run game. Many of the designs were reminiscent of what we saw Kansas State deploy under Bill Snyder for former quarterback and current offensive coordinator, Collin Klein. Johnson ranked as the No. 104 overall in the 2023 On3 Industry Ranking.

WR Eugene Wilson III, Florida

It was a matter of when, not if Eugene Wilson III would become a key piece of Billy Napier‘s Florida offense. The true freshman appeared ready for a breakout game against Tennessee back in September before going out with a shoulder injury. Wilson is back in action for the Gators and looked like a dynamic weapon in Florida’s 41-39 win at South Carolina. Wilson finished with six catches for 83 yards and three rushes for 10 yards. Perhaps his biggest play of the game, came in the final minutes. As Florida was driving for the eventual game-winning score, a Graham Mertz pass went off of Ricky Pearsall‘s hands. Wilson came down with the deflection and ran down to the fifteen yard-line, setting up the eventual score. Florida got the ball into the Tampa (Fla.) Gaither product’s hands in a variety of ways – including carries out of the backfield.

If the last two weeks are any indication, Wilson is going to have a key role in Florida’s offense for the remainder of the season. A five-star outlier for On3, Wilson finished as the No. 32 overall prospect in the final 2023 On300.

WR Carnell Tate, Ohio State

Ohio State was down several skill players against Purdue, including star receiver Emeka Egbuka. The Buckeyes staff turned to Carnell Tate to fill the void. The true freshman responded with a three catch, 79-yard outing in the 41-7 win over the Boilermakers.

Tate’s biggest play of the day came in midway through the third quarter, as he found space down the seam and came down with a well-thrown pass from Kyle McCord for a 55-yard catch-and-run. We later saw fellow true freshman receiver Brandon Inniss score from 58 yards out on a pass from backup Devin Brown. The fact Tate and Inniss are getting on the field and making plays given the talent and depth in Ohio State’s wide receiver room is impressive in its own right. Tate finished No. 41 overall in the 2023 On3 Industry Ranking.

OT Zalance Heard, LSU

Zalance Heard was thrust into action during LSU’s 48-18 win over Auburn following an injury to starting right tackle Emery Jones. The 6-foot-6, 340-pounder held up well, giving up just one pressure on 31 pass attempts, per Pro Football Focus. Heard’s ability to step in and play well helped the LSU offense to keep humming driven by the strong play of quarterback Jayden Daniels. The Monroe (La.) Neville looks has played well in spot duty and provides key depth at the tackle spots for the Tigers – at the very minimum. Heard’s combination of elite length and advanced play strength made him a five-star prospect, as he finished No. 11 overall and as the No. 2 offensive tackle in the 2023 On300. The No. 1 tackle in the 2023 On300, Georgia’s Monroe Freeling, was similarly thrust into action on Saturday and also played at a high level.

LB Taurean York, Texas A&M

Taurean York continues to be a bright spot for the Texas A&M defense. The true freshman linebacker is the Aggies’ second-leading tackler and filled up the stat sheet in Saturday’s 20-13 loss to Tennessee. York played a role in holding the Vols offense to just one touchdown. York finished the game with six solo tackles and two assists. He also registered five stops according to Pro Football Focus. A consensus three-star recruit, York looks to be an impressive find by the Texas A&M staff. He was named to On3’s Midseason True Freshman All-American Team last week and doesn’t appear to be slowing down anytime soon.